Cyclone watch for Arnhem Land, Cape York

A cyclone could develop over the Gulf of Carpentaria as early as Tuesday, as a tropical low slowly makes its way across northern Australia.

The Bureau of Meteorology on Monday issued a cyclone 'watch' for communities in Arnhem Land and Cape York Peninsula, covering Badu Island to Cape Keerweer in Queensland and Nhulunbuy to Cape Shield in the Northern Territory.

"The tropical low is expected to become slow moving overnight and may reach tropical cyclone intensity over the northern Gulf of Carpentaria during Tuesday," the BOM said.

"Gales are not expected in coastal areas within the next 24 hours, however gales could develop later."

Residents in the watch zone are being advice to consider what action they'll need to take if the cyclone threat increases.

If a cyclone does develop and crosses the coast, it will be the first to make landfall this season - and one of the latest in 50 years.

The BOM is also monitoring a low pressure system in the Coral Sea, about 1000km off the coast of Cairns.